massage

1 of 2

noun

mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh  -ˈsäj 

: manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for relaxation or therapeutic purposes

gave him a neck massage

massage

2 of 2

verb

massaged; massaging

transitive verb

1

: to subject to massage

2

a

: to treat flatteringly : blandish

b

: manipulate, doctor

massaged the data to help his cause

massager noun

Synonyms

Verb

• adulate
• belaud
• blarney
• butter up
• flatter
• hero-worship
• honey
• overpraise
• puff
• soft-soap
• stroke

Examples of massage in a Sentence

Noun

She gave him a neck massage.

using massage to help relax

Verb

She massaged her leg until the numbness was gone.

a candidate who knows that you have to massage the voters if you want to get elected

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Guests can choose from a long list of massages and face and body treatments, such as the Pacific Algae Body Wrap or the Reset & Correct CBD Massage. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024

The massage setting mimics the waves of the natural lymphatic system, working efficiently to whisk away excess fluid—for maximum de-puffing results, use the cool and massage settings together. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 26 Nov. 2024

Verb

Make sure your primer is fully massaged and absorbed into your skin—when in doubt, Philips recommends waiting for a full minute before tackling foundation—to avoid unnecessary pilling or patchiness. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024

The kale can be massaged and left overnight in the fridge, and be all the better for it. —Bon Appétit, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

French, from masser to massage, from Arabic massa to stroke

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing massage

• massage parlor
• massage someone's ego
• massage therapist
• massage therapy
• Swedish massage

Kids Definition

massage

1 of 2 noun

mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh  -ˈsäj 

: treatment (as of the body) by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping

massage

2 of 2 verb

massaged; massaging

: to give massage to

Medical Definition

massage

1 of 2 noun

mas·​sage mə-ˈsäzh  -ˈsäj 

: manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument especially for therapeutic purposes

massage

2 of 2 transitive verb

massaged; massaging

: to treat by means of massage